The Ultimate Easy Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: Your New Favorite No-Fuss Dessert
This delightful and incredibly easy cherry pineapple dump cake is a tried-and-true recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to master this simple dessert and impress everyone with minimal effort!
Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake: The Easiest Way to Dessert Bliss
Are you searching for a dessert that’s quick to prepare, requires minimal baking skill, and delivers maximum flavor? Look no further than this fantastic cherry pineapple dump cake! The name “dump cake” perfectly describes its simplicity: you literally “dump” the ingredients into a pan, and the oven does all the hard work. There are no complicated steps, no need to worry about achieving the perfect cake batter consistency, and the results are consistently delicious.
Who doesn’t adore cake? It’s one of those comforting treats that’s hard to resist. Cakes are versatile and perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a delightful dessert after a family meal, a comforting afternoon snack paired with a warm beverage on a chilly day, or a refreshing sweet bite enjoyed outdoors with an iced tea. There’s truly no wrong time to indulge in a slice of cake. However, traditional baking can often be a daunting task for many. Not everyone possesses the time or inclination to be an avid baker creating elaborate masterpieces. For those who typically resort to store-bought options, this easy cherry pineapple dump cake offers a homemade solution that’s just as convenient, if not more so!
This recipe specifically highlights the wonderful marriage of sweet pineapple and tart cherries, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying. The beauty of a dump cake lies in its forgiving nature, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike who appreciate efficiency without compromising on taste. Its effortless preparation means you can have a warm, inviting dessert ready with very little hands-on time, freeing you up to enjoy other activities.
More fruit desserts you will love:
- Strawberry dump cake
- Easy lemon bars
- Pineapple banana split dessert
- Apple tiramisu cake
- Blackberry cobbler with lemon cake mix
- Poached pears in red wine
You might have some initial questions about this cherry pineapple dump cake recipe or the entire process, especially if you’re new to dump cakes. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through every step. Hopefully, I’ll cover all your queries below, but if anything remains unclear, please feel free to leave a comment or get in touch directly. This recipe is designed to be fool-proof, ensuring a delightful dessert experience even for the most hesitant home bakers. The blend of fruit, cake mix, and butter magically transforms into a moist, tender cake with a delightful, slightly crispy topping – a perfect combination that’s truly addictive!
What Do You Need for Pineapple Cherry Dump Cake?
One of the best aspects of this easy dump cake recipe is the minimal and readily available ingredients. You’ll likely find most of these in your pantry already, making this a spontaneous dessert option. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Crushed pineapple (canned)
- Cherry pie filling (canned)
- Yellow cake mix (boxed)
- Cold butter
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients combine to create a truly delicious and satisfying dessert. The canned fruits provide a juicy, flavorful base, while the boxed cake mix forms the perfect crumbly topping that bakes into a lovely cake layer. The cold butter is key to achieving that desirable golden, slightly crisp crust on top.
How Do You Make Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?
The preparation for this pineapple cherry dump cake is incredibly straightforward, living up to its “dump cake” name. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious result:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This is a crucial first step for any baking recipe. Putting your cake into an oven that’s still warming up can lead to uneven baking. The goal is for the intense heat to hit the cake mixture from the moment it’s placed inside, ensuring an even bake and golden crust.
- Prepare the Fruit Layers: Open both cans of crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling. Set them aside, ready for assembly. Make sure to drain the juice from the can of crushed pineapple thoroughly. While a little bit of residual juice at the bottom of the can is perfectly fine and adds to the moisture, excessive liquid can make your cake soggy.
- Combine Fruit in Pan: Pour the drained crushed pineapple and the cherry pie filling into a 9” x 13” baking pan. Give them both a quick, gentle stir to mix the fruits together evenly. This ensures a delightful blend of cherry and pineapple in every bite.
- Add the Dry Cake Mix: Evenly pour the dry boxed cake mix directly over the mixed pineapple and cherry layer. It’s important not to stir the cake mix into the fruit. The magic of a dump cake is in these distinct layers that transform during baking.
- Distribute the Butter: Take your cold butter and cut it into 10-12 thin slices or pats. Arrange these butter slices a few inches apart on top of the dry cake mix. The cold butter will slowly melt during baking, seeping down through the cake mix and creating a rich, moist cake layer and a wonderfully golden, slightly crisp topping. This is all the hands-on preparation you need to do!
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cake is done when the edges are golden brown and the top appears set and slightly crispy. A good indicator is when the fruit filling is bubbling up around the sides.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cherry pineapple dump cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. You can serve it warm for a truly comforting treat, or allow it to cool completely before serving if you prefer a firmer cake. Either way, it’s absolutely delicious!
This simple dump cake works exceptionally well with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of the warm, fruity cake with cold, creamy toppings is simply heavenly. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant finish.
Recipe Notes and Tips for the Perfect Dump Cake
While this recipe is incredibly simple to create and boasts an incredible taste, there are a few extra tips and notes that can help ensure you achieve perfection on your very first try. Paying attention to these small details can make all the difference in the final outcome of your delicious cherry pineapple dump cake.
- Always Preheat Your Oven: I cannot stress this enough. Precision is key in baking, even for a “dump” cake. Placing your cake into an oven that hasn’t reached the target temperature means it will start baking slowly, potentially leading to an unevenly cooked cake – undercooked in the middle or burnt on the edges from extended baking time. A properly preheated oven ensures the intense, even heat hits the cake from the start, promoting consistent baking and that beautiful golden crust.
- Use Cold Butter: This tip is crucial for several reasons. Cold butter is much easier to cut into uniform slices or pats, which makes for easier handling and even distribution across the top of the dry cake mix. More importantly, the cold butter melts gradually in the oven, seeping slowly through the dry cake mix. This slow melting process is what creates the wonderful, moist cake layer beneath a golden, slightly crispy topping. If your butter is too soft or melted before baking, it won’t distribute as evenly and might result in a less desirable texture.
- Do Not Stir the Dry Cake Mix: This is a common mistake for first-time dump cake bakers. The dry cake mix is meant to remain dry on top of the fruit layer. As the butter melts, it will saturate the cake mix, and the moisture from the fruit will steam up into it. Stirring will combine the ingredients too much, leading to a denser, less ‘cake-like’ texture and losing the distinct layers that make this dessert so special.
- Choose the Right Baking Pan: A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe, allowing for an even spread of ingredients and consistent baking. Ensure your pan is not too deep or too shallow. For easy cleanup, you can lightly grease the pan or line it with parchment paper before adding the fruit.
- Monitor for Doneness: While the suggested baking time is 50-60 minutes, oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on your cake. The top should be a beautiful golden brown, and the fruit filling should be visibly bubbling around the edges. If the top starts to brown too quickly but you suspect the inside isn’t fully cooked, you can loosely tent the cake with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
- Allow for Cooling: While delicious warm, letting the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving allows the layers to set a bit more. This makes for cleaner slices and a slightly firmer texture, though it will still be wonderfully moist and tender.
Delicious Variations You Could Try
This cherry pineapple dump cake with cake mix is a tried and true recipe, and the combination of cherry and pineapple works together flawlessly. However, the beauty of dump cakes is their adaptability! You might want to experiment with some variations or add a few extra touches to customize it to your taste. Here are some suggestions to inspire your creativity:
- Add Nuts for Crunch and Flavor: Almonds are a fantastic choice that pairs incredibly well with cherry flavors. Consider sprinkling some flaked almonds over the pineapple and cherry mixture before adding the dry cake mix on top. If you don’t have flaked almonds, a little bit of ground almonds could work, or even chopped pecans or walnuts for a different nutty profile. The goal is to enhance the flavor and add a pleasant textural contrast without overpowering the main fruit and cake flavors. For an extra boost, lightly toast your nuts beforehand!
- Experiment with Other Fruit Fillings: The dump cake method is remarkably versatile and works wonderfully with various canned pie fillings and fruits. Instead of, or in addition to, cherries and pineapple, you could try combinations like:
- Pumpkin: Perfect for fall, often paired with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Apple: A classic choice, especially with a sprinkle of cinnamon over the cake mix.
- Blueberry: For a burst of berry goodness.
- Peach: Sweet and fragrant, peaches pair well with yellow or even spice cake mix.
- Mandarin Oranges: Offer a bright, citrusy twist.
Feel free to mix and match different pie fillings with other canned fruits (like sliced peaches instead of pineapple, or a combination of berry pie fillings). Explore a few different combinations to discover your personal favorite!
- Try Different Cake Mix Flavors: While yellow cake mix is a classic, don’t be afraid to switch it up!
- White cake mix: Offers a more subtle vanilla base.
- Spice cake mix: Adds warmth and complexity, especially with apple or pumpkin fillings.
- Lemon cake mix: Can add a bright, zesty note, particularly good with berry or peach fillings.
- Vanilla cake mix: Similar to yellow but can be lighter.
- Elevate Your Toppings: Beyond ice cream and whipped cream, there are many ways to top your dump cake:
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle on top before baking for added texture and tropical flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips added to the dry cake mix can create delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
- Caramel Drizzle: A warm caramel sauce drizzled over individual servings adds a luxurious touch.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or extra cherries for a pop of color and freshness.
- Custard: Especially comforting on a cold winter’s evening, a warm vanilla custard can be poured over a slice of cake.
- Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of allspice mixed into the dry cake mix can add warmth and depth to your dessert, particularly if using apple or pumpkin fillings.
How to Store Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake?
This fantastic cherry pineapple dump cake is also great for making ahead or enjoying over a few days. Storing it properly is easy and helps maintain its delicious flavor and moist texture:
- Cool Completely: Before storing, ensure the cake has cooled completely to room temperature. Storing a warm cake can lead to condensation, making it soggy.
- Airtight Container: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This prevents the cake from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator. You can store the entire cake in the pan wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or cut it into individual servings for easier access.
- Refrigeration: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your cherry pineapple dump cake should remain fresh and delicious for 3-5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dump cake. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake (if freezing in portions) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Options:
- Microwave: For a quick warm-up, individual slices can be heated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Oven: To reheat a larger portion or the entire cake, cover it loosely with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warm. This method helps maintain a crispier topping.
- With Warm Custard: A wonderfully comforting option is to simply warm a slice and pour warm vanilla custard over it. No extra reheating needed for the cake itself!
I genuinely hope this detailed guide has inspired you to create this scrumptious cherry pineapple dump cake yourself. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful dessert. Don’t forget to explore more simple and amazing recipes on my blog for endless culinary inspiration!
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Cherry Pineapple Dump Cake
petro
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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cooling rack
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baking dish
Ingredients
- 20 oz can crushed pineapple
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
- Box of yellow cake mix
- 1 stick butter cold
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Open the cans of crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling. Drain the juice out of the can of crushed pineapple. There will still be some left at the bottom of the can, but that is alright, as a little moisture is good for the cake.
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Pour the crushed pineapple and cherry pie filling into a 9” x 13” pan, spreading evenly to create a vibrant fruit base.
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Give the fruit mixture a quick, gentle stir to combine the flavors without overmixing.
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Carefully pour the dry boxed cake mix evenly over the pineapple and cherry mixture, creating an unbroken layer. Remember not to stir it in!
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Cut the cold butter into 10-12 thin slices and arrange them a few inches apart on top of the dry cake mix. This will create a rich, buttery topping as it melts.
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Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are golden, the fruit is bubbling, and the cake appears set and done.
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Carefully remove the baked cake from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack to begin resting.
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Serve warm for a delightful, comforting experience, or allow it to cool completely for a firmer texture – the choice is entirely yours!
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